The subject of this Special Publication is one of the most interesting in global geoscience, the tectonic evolution of China. The assemblage of terranes that underlie this part of the world provides outstanding opportunities to elucidate global processes, and many of the factors that shape the Earth's lithosphere are best exemplified by the geology of China and immediately adjacent areas.In addition, there are geological features that are particular and unique to the region. Some have been the focus of recent attention and have attracted international interest because of their global importance. This volume provides accounts of up-to-date research by Chinese and international geological teams on key aspects of the tectonic evolution of China and surrounding areas. The papers describe the formation of the geological terranes that make up this part of East Asia, place constraints on plate tectonic models for their assembly, and provide accounts of unique geological features of the subcontinent.